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Freshwater – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Freshwater in New South Wales. You can view recent sea temperature trends on a 30-day chart, check typical monthly water temperature ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, nearby beaches with similar conditions, local weather information, and a summary of swimming conditions to help you assess how suitable the water is for swimming.

Freshwater
Freshwater © By Adam.J.W.C., CC BY 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.9°C
Today
22.7°C
Yesterday
22.7°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Freshwater is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Freshwater: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This water feels mild to warm and is comfortable for the majority of swimmers. Swimming is enjoyable, though longer stays may feel cooler for some people, especially in windy conditions. These temperatures are well suited to family outings and active swimming, particularly on warm days.

It’s important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in settled weather. When air temperatures drop below 20°C — and sometimes even below 25°C — swimming can feel uncomfortable, even when water temperatures are relatively high.

Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days

From February 18 to March 20

While water temperatures in Freshwater declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Freshwater will be 23.2°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date Current Average Forecast
Mar 1222.8°C23.5°C
Mar 1322.7°C23.3°C
Mar 1422.7°C23.5°C
Mar 1522.9°C23.5°C
Mar 1622.7°C23.8°C
Mar 1722.7°C23.5°C
Mar 1822.6°C23.0°C
Mar 1922.7°C23.5°C
Mar 2022.9°C23.5°C22.9°C
Mar 2123.3°C22.9°C
Mar 2223.3°C23.0°C
Mar 2323.0°C23.0°C
Mar 2423.3°C23.1°C
Mar 2522.8°C23.1°C
Mar 2623.3°C23.1°C
Mar 2723.0°C23.2°C

* Current - Actual water temperature value

** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years

*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast

Actual near-shore water temperatures in Freshwater can vary by several degrees from the values shown, particularly after heavy rain, strong southerlies, or prolonged windy conditions. Certain wind patterns can trigger upwelling, where cooler, deeper water is pushed to the surface and replaces the warmer top layer, leading to noticeable short-term changes in water temperature.

Our water temperature forecast is produced using a proprietary mathematical model that combines real-time measurements with long-term historical patterns, local weather conditions, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each coastal region. To improve accuracy, we cross-check data from nearby locations and use multiple sources, including offshore buoys, satellite-based sea surface maps, and observations provided by local authorities.

Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month

Monthly Water Temp Ranges

30°C
25°C
20°C
15°C
10°c
5°C
0°C

Annual Water Temperature Trend

Freshwater, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, sits between rocky headlands and faces the open Tasman Sea. Water temperatures here follow a clear seasonal cycle typical of this part of the coast. In summer, the ocean is usually at its warmest, sitting around 22–26 °C, which feels comfortable for longer swims and regular dips. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 20–23 °C, still pleasant for most swimmers. Winter is cooler but far from extreme, with sea temperatures generally between 16–20 °C. Spring sees a steady warm-up from about 18 °C into the low twenties as weather conditions become more settled.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January20°C23°C25°C
February21°C24°C26°C
March20°C23°C26°C
April19°C22°C25°C
May16°C21°C24°C
June15°C20°C23°C
July15°C19°C21°C
August15°C19°C20°C
September16°C18°C20°C
October16°C19°C21°C
November17°C20°C22°C
December19°C21°C25°C

* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.

Freshwater: Weather Forecast

March 21

19°C / 24°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 76% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

19°C / 24°C
clear sky
humidity: 81% | wind: 4 kmh

March 23

20°C / 25°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 74% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Freshwater Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
21.9°C

Curl Curl Beach

⭐ 2.7/5
22.9°C

Queenscliff Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
22.9°C

Harbord Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
23.6°C

South Curl Curl Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
23.4°C

Fairy Bower

⭐ 4.5/5
22.9°C

Manly Beach

⭐ 4.7/5
24.3°C

North Curl Curl Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
22.9°C

East Manly Cove Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
24.2°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed and very popular at Freshwater, largely due to its protected setting and reliable facilities. The beach is partly sheltered by headlands, which often helps reduce the strength of swell and limits strong rips compared to more exposed beaches. Regular patrols provide safer swimming areas when flags are in place, making it suitable for families as well as confident swimmers. On calmer days, the water is clean and refreshing, with easy access from the sand. When the surf is up, nearby ocean pools offer a calmer alternative. With consistent seasonal water temperatures and a mix of open and sheltered options, Freshwater remains a dependable spot for ocean swimming through most of the year.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Freshwater and Harbord

⭐ 3/5
22.4°C

Curl Curl

⭐ 3/5
22.4°C

Queenscliff

⭐ 2/5
23.2°C

Queensie Bombie

⭐ 2/5
23.0°C
2 km away 📍 Reef/bombora

Curl Curl Point

⭐ 3/5
23.4°C

Manly-North Steyne

⭐ 2/5
22.8°C

Manly

⭐ 2/5
23.0°C

Winkipop

⭐ 4/5
22.5°C

Dee Why Point

⭐ 3/5
23.8°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: Northern Beaches Council

Place Tags:BeachSurf SpotCoastal Town

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Freshwater today?
Sea water temperature in Freshwater in the Tasman Sea today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Freshwater during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Freshwater typically ranges from 19°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Freshwater during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Freshwater typically ranges from 16°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Freshwater during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Freshwater typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Freshwater during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Freshwater typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Freshwater area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Freshwater area include: Freshwater Beach, Curl Curl Beach, South Curl Curl Beach, Queenscliff Beach, Harbord Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Freshwater?
Some of the closest surf spots near Freshwater include Freshwater and Harbord, Curl Curl, Queenscliff.